The power generator roared to life, casting the erratic glow of emergency lights across several areas of the hospital.
"Alright, our time is short," Honest said, breaking the heavy silence. "Ashil, Vashil, and Pakis, of course. I'm taking you all to a place... well, you'll find out soon enough."
What on earth is the Young Master planning? Pakis wondered, his brow furrowed.
"Why the sudden rush, Young Master?" Ashil asked, stepping forward.
Honest looked up toward the ceiling, his gaze seemingly piercing through the concrete to the sky outside. "Haven't you noticed yet? They are heading this way."
"They?" Vashil blurted out.
Pakis let out a sigh. "The Queries."
A sharp smile played on Honest's lips, causing both of his subordinates to widen their eyes.
Vashil tilted his head up. "How is that even possible?"
Ashil shot a glance at his lord. "Master Aidin... it's him, isn't it, Young Master?"
"Precisely. And this time, it seems Master Aidin is truly furious," Honest replied.
"Forgive me, Young Master, but if that is the case, shouldn't we depart for your intended destination immediately?" Pakis urged.
Honest let out a soft chuckle and pulled out a shimmering golden feather.
Isn't that Madam Aria's feather? Pakis thought, his eyes narrowing.
Honest tilted his head. "Pakis? Is there a problem?"
"No, Young Master."
Honest squeezed the golden quill in his palm. Instantly, a burst of ethereal golden light erupted, enveloping the four men.
Vashil scanned their surroundings as the world began to blur. "It seems no one has noticed us..." he muttered.
Ashil patted his twin's back. "Don't overthink it."
Honest exhaled a brief breath. "Let us depart."
With a soft flash, they vanished into the night sky, leaving nothing but fading particles of light behind.
Meanwhile, across the city, Zigh switched on his phone's flashlight. The narrow beam cut through the darkness, illuminating the heavily fractured asphalt beneath his feet.
"This is devastating..."
Looking to his left and right, the sound of weeping echoed through the ruins of the shattered city.
"Lian... No, this is the handiwork of that aquamarine-eyed man..."
The youth, whose hair resembled the deep hues of autumn maple leaves, could only drag his feet toward his home. His destination was in no better state than the destruction around him.
When Zigh finally reached his courtyard, he sank to the ground between Nox and Ron, who were both lying unconscious on the patch of green grass.
The pale light of his phone screen illuminated his face. "It's been two hours and the signal still hasn't returned..."
His eyes drifted into the pitch-black void before him. Just how massive was the epicenter of this earthquake?
He let out a heavy sigh. Lexin... Devin... Leyra... and Father... are they all safe?
Zigh pulled his knees to his chest, burying his face. If only I hadn't gotten involved with Lian... Is this the price for unleashing Outer at Begepe Pier? I should have... damn it...
Tears finally spilled over, wetting the youth's cheeks. Maybe Father was right... I am nothing but—
Suddenly, a brilliant, warm golden light bathed the entire courtyard, piercing through the darkness and forcing Zigh to shield his eyes.
He snapped to his feet. "What now?!"
As the golden radiance gradually receded, four figures materialized in the yard.
"Hello there," Honest greeted.
Zigh raised his guard, dropping into an orthodox boxing stance. "Who are you people?"
Pakis's eyes widened in profound shock as he stared at the youth standing before him, and then down at the two young men sprawled on the grass. "Young Master... He... and those two on the ground..."
Honest placed a single index finger over his lips. "Shh... calm yourself, Pakis."
Vashil glanced at Ashil, but his twin merely shook his head.
"At ease," Honest said, turning back to Zigh. "I am Honest Peaceraft. It is a pleasure to meet you."
Zigh tightened his fists. "Ipsix?"
Honest gave a calm nod.
Whoosh!
Without warning, Zigh threw a straight right punch directly aimed at Honest's face. Yet, with practiced ease, Pakis caught the incoming fist mid-air. The twins quickly shifted into a defensive stance, flanking their master.
A single tear slipped from Pakis's eye, striking the dirt below. That face...
Zigh glared. "Hands off!"
Pakis released his grip, allowing the young man to step back and regain his orthodox stance.
"I am... Pakis Dandelion," the man murmured.
Zigh's arms dropped to his sides, and he took a step back. "Dandelion..."
Ashil whispered, "Young Master..."
"Do not interfere," Honest commanded. "From this moment on, you are to treat that youth and the two lying on the ground with absolute courtesy and respect. Especially you, Vashil."
"But Young Master—" Vashil protested.
Honest shot him a cold, warning glare.
Vashil averted his gaze to the ground, shutting his mouth.
"As you command," Ashil said aloud, while casting a look at his brother. Vashil, your mouth was really something…
Honest turned his attention back to the unfolding scene between Zigh and Pakis. Now, let's see how this drama plays out.
Pakis reached out a hand, stepping closer to Zigh. "I..."
Zigh brushed the hand away. "Stay back!"
Pakis paused, his eyes softening as he looked at the two unconscious youths on the grass. "I only hope to aid them."
"Aid them? You liar!"
Pakis bit his lower lip. "I implore you, please calm your heart."
"Calm down?! After one of you Ipsix monsters completely pulverized my city?!"
"I am deeply sorry... but truly, I am here to heal them."
"I don't need your hollow apologies!"
Pakis closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. He offered a silent prayer, invoking a higher blessing upon the land.
"O wind that carries glad tidings," he chanted. Suddenly, the clothes of the men rustled and the blades of grass swayed. "Blow from the heights to the lowlands." Dark, heavy clouds gathered overhead. "Moisten the barren earth." Gentle droplets started to fall. "And let life commence therein. Bestow your goodness and divine benevolence upon every soul. Mercy!"
A miraculous rain began to fall, washing over the entire district afflicted by the cataclysm.
"Sir Pakis..." Ashil muttered, staring up at the sky.
It feels so warm, Vashil thought, feeling the raindrops on his skin.
"Oh?" Honest uttered.
The rain continued to pour, completely devoid of any violent wind or thunder.
What is this man doing... and why... why does this rain feel so comforting? Zigh wondered.
Pakis's shoulders heaved as he exhaled, slowly opening his eyes. As his prayer concluded, the rain began to subside. Master Charon... forgive my selfishness...
"Ugh... Where..." Ron groaned, his eyelids fluttering.
"My head..." Nox muttered, clutching the makeshift bandage wrapped around his forehead.
"Champ! Ron! You're awake!" Zigh cried out.
Ron forced himself up, swaying slightly as he stood. "Yeah..." His eyes darted to his younger brother. "Nox."
Nox unraveled Zigh's shirt from his head. "I'm fine."
The older brother immediately cupped Nox's face, inspecting him. "Nox... your wounds..."
"They're gone... How is this possible...?" Nox stammered, looking at his unblemished skin.
Ron's gaze shifted toward the four newcomers. Ashil, Vashil, and... His eyes narrowed. "Zigh... who are they?"
Zigh kept his eyes locked on Pakis. "They are—"
"Honest Peaceraft. It is an honor to meet you both," Honest interrupted.
The two brothers froze, their eyes widening.
Honest... the man responsible for what happened to Lian... Ron thought.
Nox stood up, massaging the back of his neck. "So, you're the master of Ashil and Vashil."
Without warning, Pakis dropped into a bow before Nox and Ron. "Please accept my humblest apologies for our sheer insolence..."
Nox and Ron exchanged a bewildered glance.
What in the world is going on here? Zigh thought.
Honest turned his head. "Ashil, Vashil. Apologize at once."
The twins stepped forward, lowering their heads before the two brothers.
"Sorry, my bad," Vashil said.
"I apologize for my misjudgment," Ashil added.
Pakis straightened his posture, a green glow igniting within his eyes. "Don't tell me you two engaged in a brawl with them, Ashil, Vashil?"
The twins trembled as a sudden, sharp gust of wind whipped through the yard.
Honest stepped closer to Pakis, whispering, "Do not lay a hand on my guards."
"You knew what they did, didn't you, Young Master?"
"Esculenta has already disciplined them. Remember that."
"I shall report this matter directly to Master Charon."
"By all means. Grandfather certainly deserves to know."
Pakis let out a sigh. "Master Charon will be absolutely furious, Young Master."
Honest smiled. "As he should be."
Nox crossed his arms. "What is the meaning of this farce? And why are you two whispering like thieves?"
Ron placed a hand on his brother's shoulder. "Easy, Nox." He then fixed his gaze on Honest. "Where is Lian?"
"Esculenta is not with us. More importantly, do you intend to forgive my guards?"
"It won't be that simple," Nox snapped.
Honest laughed out loud. "You really are just like him."
Nox's eyes narrowed into slits. "Like who?"
A faint plume of black smoke in the sky came closer, spreading across all of Echo.
Honest ignored him, turning his gaze to his grandfather's attendant.
"Hey! Answer my question—" Nox snapped, stepping forward.
Honest looked up at the sky. "Pakis, you feel it too, don't you?"
"Yes, Young Master."
"Bring them all before Grandfather."
"And what of you?"
"I still have some pending business to attend to."
Nox balled his hands into fists. Damn it, I'm being ignored.
Ron patted his little brother, shaking his head.
"Young Master, my explicit orders are to watch over you. You possess the means to send them to Master Charon yourself," Pakis reasoned.
"Yes, but then no one would be here to defend Ashil and Vashil," Honest pointed out.
Still bowing, Ashil and Vashil stole a quick glance at one another.
"What do you mean by defend them, Honest Peaceraft?" Ron questioned.
"Let me ask you this: who threw the first punch?" Honest asked, tilting his head.
"I did," Nox stated, crossing his arms.
Ron slapped a hand against his own forehead.
"You see? He should have been the one to exercise restraint," Honest remarked.
"Even after he insulted us?!" Ron retorted.
"Is that true, Ashil, Vashil?" Honest asked.
"Well... that is..." Vashil stammered.
Zigh watched the interaction between Honest and his entourage. So they are the ones who put Nox and Ron in the hospital... The Eosvile Ipsix... Ashil and Vashil...
Honest offered a faint smile. "Good grief. How many times must I remind you to guard that tongue of yours, Vashil?"
"We deeply apologize, Young Master," Ashil muttered.
"Alright. And what might your name be?" Honest asked, turning his attention to the older brother.
"Ron Eosvile."
Honest adjusted the collar of his coat. "Very well, Ron. Can you find it in your heart to forgive them?"
Ron stared back. "If you provide information regarding Lian's whereabouts... then perhaps, I might consider it."
To be continued...